Help Figuring Out Your Finances for Widows

If you need help figuring out your finances because you’re a widow, these three tips and five common money personalities will help. Figuring out your financial situation after a spouse dies is difficult — and may be the last thing you want to deal with! But, it has to be done.

“Some women feel they’re not ‘smart enough’ to understand financial issues. They’ve never known a woman who handled money nor had a female mentor who was financially literate. All of their financial role models were men and they are intimidated by that. And, some women feel it’s not sexy or feminine to be financially literate.”

Help Figuring Out Your Finances for Widows

1. Talk to someone you trust. Seek out someone with whom you feel safe, secure and comfortable to discuss your financial situation. Find someone who will listen, and isn’t trying to tell you what to do with your money or sell you something.

2. Be good to yourself. You’re probably going through probably the most difficult time of your life. Try to have a “must do” list and a “can wait” list for priorities. When you’re ready, start slowly learning about your finances. Your financial confidence will grow, and you’ll find it easier to make decisions and look at your options. In due time, it actually becomes fun and exciting!

3. Read good books for widows. I recommend Transitions by William Bridges and Money Scripts by Rick Kahler. If you don’t feel ready to deal with money issues, you might find Tips for Grieving Widows and Widowers helpful.

Sleeping Beauty – “My prince charming will come and will take care of everything for me. I don’t need to worry about anything.”

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Alice in Wonderland – “I am so confused and nothing makes sense to me. I am living in a fantasy land. I want to help and rescue people. Let me give them all my money.”

Goldilocks and the Three Bears – “I just can’t make up my mind. This bed is too soft yet this one is too hard. I need to research everything yet can never decide on anything.”

Wonder Woman – “Everything is going to be just fine. I can handle it all. I don’t feel any pain or confusion. I’ll get through this.”

Bag Lady – “I just know I’m going to end up on the streets with no money, no friends and no family. I will be all alone one day.” (Actually, most widows at some point or another have this fear – hopefully this fear is just for a short period of time.

A “Financial Feelings” Survey:

How do you feel about your:

Ability to meet your financial needs

Income from job and/or retirement sources

Spending habits

Level of debt currently carried

Level and quality of insurance protection

Current investment choices and understanding of them

Estate plan

Charitable giving

Current level of financial literacy

Professional relationships with advisors

A “Money Autobiography” Questionnaire:

What is your happiest time with money? Your unhappiest?

How did your family communicate (or not) about money?

How did you relate to money as a child? As a teenager? As an adult?

Will you inherit money? How will this make you feel?

Do you worry about your future?

Do you feel guilty about prosperity?

What has changed since your husband’s death?

This survey and questionnaire will help you figure out your feelings about and relationship with money, which will help you figure out your finances.

Laurie's "She Blossoms" Books

Growing Forward When You Can't Go Back - to help you walk through loss into a new season of life. I share glimpses into my life with a schizophrenic mother, living in foster homes, teaching in Africa, and coping with infertility. Woven through the book are practical, encouraging Blossom Tips to help you grow and flourish!

How to Let Go of Someone You Love - Powerful Secrets (and Practical Tips!) for Healing Your Heart After a Breakup. Do you feel like you'll never get over your broken heart? This ebook - available immediately - will help you heal. It's time to let go of what was, and embrace what will be.

When You Miss Him Like Crazy - 25 Lessons to Move You From Broken to Blossoming After a Breakup! You miss him desperately right now, but you won't always feel this way. This warm, comforting ebook will give you the tools, encouragement and strength you need to move through the pain and start blossoming - today!

This article is a good reminder that as husbands we need to be sure our families know how to take care of themselves in case we are not around. It is like teaching you kids (or husbands) to cook or do laundry. Keep accounts up to date and available to your spouse, keep a budget a share it and always keep a cash reserve (an emergency fund) in case things go horribly wrong. A line of credit may not be accessible.

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I'm Laurie, author of Growing Forward When You Can't Go Back. I survived a schizophrenic mom, foster care, infertility, and three years in Africa! My degrees are in Psychology, Education, and Social Work; I share Blossom Tips for walking into new seasons of life. About Me.